Preschool is an exciting adventure for children starting at age 2. These programs are wonderful for sparking enthusiasm and encouraging kids to interact with peers and teachers. Through these experiences, children develop social skills, explore new concepts, and tackle challenges that will benefit them throughout their educational journey. In this blog, we’ll explore how to fully embrace this special age, whether at school or at home, and highlight PlanToys that can support and enhance this crucial stage of development.
The Preschooler Basics
Parents and caregivers often enroll children in preschool to support a smooth transition into kindergarten, familiarizing children with scheduling, social interactions, and academics. While preschool offers a solid educational foundation, the essence of the experience is rooted in fostering discovery and exploration.
Preschools inspire children through physical and hands on activities, exploring various materials in the classroom and in nature while also addressing key curriculum areas and life skills, including the calendar, weather, colors, numbers, art, music, and hygiene.
Regardless of the preschool philosophy, the curriculum should foster learning and support children in achieving important language, social, physical, and cognitive milestones. A strong preschool program will be led by qualified teachers and grounded in the latest research on early childhood education.
Here are three PlanToys that are grounded in foundational knowledge for preschoolers. These toys are designed to accommodate multiple children at once and support individual play, making them ideal for a classroom setting:
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This orchard variation of our classic Geometric Sorting Board helps children learn shapes and problem solving all in one. We love that it keeps them engaged while also fueling their nuatural desire to take on challenges. |
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This is another toy that blends various skills with the challenge of a puzzle. Featuring countless ways to arrange the gears, Gears & Puzzles supports with fine motor development and introduces the concept of cause and effect, as each gear turns the adjacent one when moved.e adjacent to it when moved. |
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Tactile Stones are a very versatile toy, encouraging children to explore different shapes with their fingers, or introduce dry sensory ingredients or play dough. It's a perfect enhancement for any hands-on activity. |
Preschool at Home
If your child isn’t enrolled in preschool, there are many ways to support their education and milestone goals at home. Here are a few ideas to help you keep learning central to their daily routine, whether they're outside of a classroom setting or already enrolled in preschool and you want to provide extra support.
1. Establish a system to help children distinguish between educational time, independent time, and family time. While not every child will perfectly align with a set schedule, dedicating specific times each day to educational activities, whether through circle time or hands-on projects can enhance their learning and curiosity. Balancing this with independent play and family activities that aren’t goal-focused will support a well-rounded routine
2. Incorporate art and physical activities into your routine to keep children engaged and inspired. Basic art supplies like crayons, paint, and cardboard are affordable and versatile, encouraging creativity. Outdoor activities such as walks, scavenger hunts, and open-ended play are great for both mind and body. Even in colder months, children can enjoy the outdoors and practice skills like zipping coats and putting on gear.
3. Freedom within limits, a Montessori concept helps children develop confidence at a young age. This is done by involving children in daily choices from getting dressed, to helping with chores around the house, including dinner preparation. This is best achieved through open-ended toys and toys that mimic real life.
Here are some PlanToys that can support with all of the above.
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This toy exemplifies open-ended play. Children can arrange the rocket pieces and astronaut freely or replicate designs shown on the cards. Recommended by child development experts, discover more about this innovative toy in this blog. |
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These sets provide a hands-on approach to letter learning. By holding the letters, children get a tactile experience, which enhances their understanding. They can also use the letters to trace and spell out corresponding images. The learning opportunities are limitless! |
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Children are naturally inclined to mimic the world around them, making pretend play a powerful play category. Toys that replicate real life encourage children to reenact scenarios and create their own. These toys also teach valuable lessons, such as the importance of healthy habits and family bonding. |
Learning Through Play
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The name says it all! This exciting toy embraces classic play concepts, inviting children to repeatedly pound the balls and watch them pop up. It helps develop an understanding of cause and effect, timing skills, and provides endless fun. |
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This board builds foundational skills, combining shape, color, counting, and building while also strengthening a child's hand-eye coordination and logical thinking. |
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This matching game is a fun way to help children become more familiar with animals while also strengthening their memory. The pieces are easy for small hands to pick up. Combine the tiles with letters and colors blocks to make it more educational. |
To wrap up, embracing the preschool years with engaging activities and thoughtful support can make a significant impact on a child's development. By integrating playful learning and versatile toys like PlanToys, you can nurture their growth and curiosity both at school and at home. Let’s make the most of this exciting stage and set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning!